Three dead in shooting at indoor ice rink in Rhode Island photo / video

A shooting at Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, left three people dead and several others injured during a hockey game between the Coventry and Blackstone Valley teams, according to reports by WPRI-TV.

Police identified the suspected gunman as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, who also went by the name Roberta.

Authorities said Dorgan, the father of a senior at North Providence High School, opened fire on relatives and a family acquaintance at the arena on the afternoon of February 16. Investigators said four family members and one family friend were shot. Two victims died from their injuries, while three others were hospitalised in critical condition.

According to sources familiar with the investigation, the student’s mother was killed at the rink, and a sibling later died at a hospital. The identities of the victims have not yet been released, as officials are waiting until all relatives are formally notified.

Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves said during a Monday evening press conference that the shooting appears to have stemmed from a targeted family dispute, though the investigation remains ongoing.

A woman identifying herself as the suspect’s daughter told reporters outside the police department that her father had struggled with mental health issues, describing him as “very sick.” Authorities later confirmed that Dorgan died after the incident.

Officials said the attack began at approximately 2:30 p.m. inside the indoor skating rink. Police credited a bystander with intervening, subduing the suspect and helping bring what they described as a swift end to the violence.

A spokesperson for Brown Health confirmed that three victims were being treated in critical condition at Rhode Island Hospital as of late Monday afternoon. Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.